Future builders tour Grand Valley construction sites

A group from a local program that teaches young adults about trade jobs in construction visited two Grand Valley construction sites December 14.

About 12 people from YouthBuild, a 40-week leadership program for low-income participants ages 18-24 that focuses on teaching construction jobs skills, toured the L. William Seidman Center and the Mary Idema Pew Library Learning and Information Commons. Students learned about many aspects of the construction projects, including engineering, operations, safety, sustainability and day-to-day tasks.

Amber Fox, director of YouthBuild, said touring the sites at Grand Valley is a valuable opportunity for Youthbuild students to see a wide range of trade skills and talk with workers.

James Moyer, assistant vice president for Facilities Planning, told the students there is always work needed in the construction industry, and that the university is happy to see community interest in Grand Valley projects.

YouthBuild is going on its second year and is a partnership between Habitat for Humanity of Kent County, Bethany Christian Services and the U.S. Department of Labor. Part of the program helps the students obtain their GED while learning construction job skills by building affordable housing for low-income families in Kent County. Upon completion of the program, participants will receive case management services and assistance with job placement.